New College of Florida
- Local Atmosphere

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While Sarasota has more to offer than most students will admit, Novo Collegians tend to take limited advantage of these resources. Located on the West Coast of Florida, there are beautiful, world-class beaches with silky, white sand within a 10-minute drive. The weather is almost always beautiful, so it is possible to go to the beach all year long. Right next door is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art featuring treasured European paintings that date as far back as the 16th century. It is home to the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the spectacular house of John Ringling that is replete with beautiful antique furnishings and decor. A new program is being offered to local college students where the museum opens its doors on Thursday nights, offering food, music, and exhibits. The city has been making more of an effort to cater to the largely unrecognized student population, but many feel that it is not doing nearly enough.

Downtown Sarasota is a quick drive away and offers a quaint, metro area that isn't particularly exciting. It has several art galleries and ritzy shops, but it mostly caters to the rich, old folks of Sarasota. During the winter season, there is a weekly farmers' market held downtown which many students attend and either buy or sell produce. For those who tire of being on campus, Tampa is an hour away. One of the more popular things to do off campus includes going to the movies at Burns Court or Parkway Cinema. Burns Court is an independent movie theater that can be on the pricey side. Conversely, Parkway is a dollar theater that offers second-run movies if you don't mind waiting to see the latest offerings. It is an inexpensive way to justify “leaving the bubble,” as students call it. New College has a strong campus culture, and the majority of students is proud of it and satisfied to stay within the "Center of the Universe."

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Local Atmosphere at New College of Florida

pryapa77

Anthropology and Archaeology '15

4.2

A-

Beautiful scenery, sketchy society

The area is full of natural beauty-- pristine beaches, lush gardens and beautiful trees. It is a tradition to watch the sunset on the Bay.

However, the general vicinity is inhabited with prostitutes, crack heads, gangstas, drug dealers, incredibly eccentric old people and generally sketchy folk. The college is located on the very perimeter of Sarasota, bordering with Bradenton, a much poorer area.

The constant sound of jet planes and crumbling institutional look of Pei makes you feel like you're the victim of a cruel political experiment.

Apr 11, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at New College of Florida

sparklychick11

International Studies '14

1.2

D

OLD

EVERYONE IN SARASOTA IS OLD. Besides that, the beaches are amazing and the weather is great. Sarasota is also fairly close to Tampa and Orlando, which is convenient.

Jan 07, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at New College of Florida

bhbhbh123

Psychology '14

3.1

B-

Atmosphere

I like the beach and growlers but the area is kind of boring other than that. Ringling is cool.

Jan 02, 2012

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